Campus News

UNILORIN Chief Imam tasks humanity on lessons of Eid-el-Kabir

By Mustafa Abubakar

The Chief Imam of the University of Ilorin Central Mosque, Prof. Nasir AbdusSalam,  has called on Muslims and humanity at large to emulate Prophet Ibrahim’s timeless model of sincerity, sacrifice, and submission to the divine guidance of Allah.

               Prof. AbdusSalam made the call penultimate Friday (June 6, 2025) while delivering a sermon at the UNILORIN Eid Praying Ground during this year’s Eid  el-Kabir prayers.

The Chief Imam, who had earlier led a two-rakat prayer to mark the Eid-el-Kabir festival, emphasised that Prophet Ibrahim’s story transcends religious boundaries and remains a source of moral and spiritual light in a divided world. He urged Muslims to reflect deeply on the spirit of sacrifice and submission that underpins the festival.

According to him, “Eid is not just about meat and merriment. It is about submitting our hearts to Allah, sacrificing our pride, sins, greed, and ego in the same spirit that Prophet Ibrahim surrendered to his Lord”.

Prof. AbdusSalam said that ‘‘Prophet Ibrahim did not question or resist Allah’s commandment, he obeyed without hesitation or bargaining”, noting that “This is what true faith looks like: absolute trust in the wisdom of our Creator, even when we don’t fully understand”.

The Chief Imam urged men to honour and support the women in their lives and the society at large to uphold their rights, education, and dignity in line with Islamic teachings.

“We cannot claim to honour Ibrahim and ignore the legacy of Hajar. Both parents shaped Ismail, and both models must guide our families today”, he said.

Highlighting Prophet Ibrahim’s moral characters, the Chief Imam said his story offers practical lessons for everyday living.

He reminded worshippers that long before Ibrahim knew his guests were angels, he welcomed them warmly and fed them generously.

“Hospitality was his nature, not a show. Today, we must ask: are we hospitable without knowing who is watching?”.

He stated further that “Prophet Ibrahim courageously stood up to idolatry, even when it meant facing the wrath of his community and being cast into fire. He did not compromise his faith for comfort. Even when offered an escape by Shaitan, he refused. That is moral firmness — a quality we sorely lack in our society today”.

The Chief Imam called on leaders, followers, families, and institutions to draw inspirations from Prophet Ibrahim’s commitment to justice, honesty, and moral clarity.

He lamented the erosion of values in contemporary society, from corruption to religious intolerance and charged Muslims to live by the Qur’anic principles that Prophet Ibrahim embodied.

“We cannot call ourselves his followers and yet be unjust, dishonest, or divisive. Let us renew our faith, not just in words but in our conduct, in our families, our communities, and our workplaces”, he declared.